South Africa, meet your new Springbok coaching lineup!
With the Springbok coaching shake-up now confirmed, here’s a complete look at the management team for the next four years.
Rassie Erasmus and his assistants were unveiled as the new Springbok management group that take charge of the Test team until at least the end of 2027.
ALSO READ | Former referee Jaco Peyper joins Springbok management team
Erasmus, who coached the team in 2019 and was Director of Rugby four years later, will lead a modified coaching team in the absence of Nienaber and attack coach Felix Jones, who has left to join England.
Replacing them will be former Ireland hooker and Harlequins assistant coach Jerry Flannery, who will take charge of the team’s defence, and former All Black flyhalf Tony Brown, who served as an assistant coach for Japan from 2016 to the 2023 World Cup and was also the Highlanders head coach in 2017, 2021 and 2022. His focus will be on attack.
ALSO READ | Rassie Erasmus’ solemn promise to Springboks: ‘I’ll be more hands-on’
The duo will complete the Springbok coaching team which consists of Mzwandile Stick, Deon Davids and Daan Human, as well as Andy Edwards as Head of Athletic Performance, who were key coaching staff in 2023 and whose contracts were extended midway through 2023 until the conclusion of the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
SA Rugby President Mark Alexander welcomed the appointments and said he was confident that they would add immense value to the Springbok team for their playing and coaching experience, under the guidance of Erasmus.
“We are delighted to announce that Rassie Erasmus will take over the reins as the Springbok head coach once again following his success with the team since 2018, and we believe that with the continuity in the coaching structures and the exciting additions, we are in good hands in the ultimate objective of claiming a hat-trick of World Cup titles,” said Alexander.
“Tony Brown and Jerry Flannery are both former international players and bring fantastic coaching experience, and their skills will complement Mzwandile Stick, Deon Davids, and Daan Human.
ALSO READ | Rassie Erasmus returns as Springbok head coach until next World Cup
SPRINGBOK COACHING TEAM:
Name | Position |
| Rassie Erasmus | Head coach |
| Mzwandile Stick | Assistant coach |
| Deon Davids | Assistant coach |
| Daan Human | Assistant coach |
| *Tony Brown | Assistant coach |
| *Jerry Flannery | Assistant coach |
| Andy Edwards | Head of Athletic Performance |
*Denotes new addition to Springbok set-up.
WHO ARE THE NEWCOMERS IN THE COACHING TEAM?
Name: Tony Brown
Date of birth: 17 January 1975
Place of Birth: Balclutha, New Zealand
Playing career:
- 1999-2001: New Zealand (18 Test caps)
- 1995-2004: Otago
- 1996-2001: Highlanders
- 2004-2011: Sanyo Wild Knights
- 2006: Hollywoodbets Sharks
- 2008: DHL Stormers
Coaching experience:
- 2016-2023: Japan assistant coach (attack)
- 2017, 2021-2022: Highlanders head coach
- 2014-2016, 2020: Highlanders assistant coach (attack)
- 2012-2014: Otago head coach
- 2011-2012: Panasonic Wild Knights assistant coach
- 2011: Otago assistant coach and player
- 2006-2011: Sanyo assistant coach
Education:
- Certificate in fitness management (University of Otago)
Name: Jerry Flannery
Date of birth: 17 October 1978
Place of Birth: Galway, Ireland
Playing career:
- 2005-2011: Ireland (41 Test caps)
- 2001-2003: Connacht
- 2003-2012: Munster
- 2003: Ireland Development XV selection
Coaching experience:
- 2020-2023: Harlequins defence and lineout coach
- 2015-2019: Munster forwards coach
- 2013-2015: Munster scrum coach
Education:
- Stage 4 assistant coach (Irish Rugby Football Union)
- Masters in Sports Performance (University of Limerick)
- Certified strength and conditioning specialist (National Strength and Conditioning Association)
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Geography (University College Cork)
